Produced by: Tarun Mishra Designed by: Manoj Kumar
India's space agency, ISRO, aims to construct the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) in multiple phases, marking a significant milestone in the country's space exploration endeavours.
The BAS is currently in the conceptualisation phase, with ISRO meticulously studying its overall architecture, including module types, docking ports, and other essential components.
The proposed BAS, expected to weigh around 25 tonnes, will initially consist of basic modules such as a crew command module, habitat module, propulsion module, and docking ports.
The preliminary BAS model is scheduled for establishment by 2028, with developmental tests starting in 2025. The final, larger version aims for completion by 2035.
ISRO's chief, S Somanath, shared the country's visionary goals for its space program at the International Space Conference 2024, highlighting the importance of the Gaganyaan mission in testing crucial technologies for BAS success.
Drawing inspiration from the International Space Station, the BAS will be assembled incrementally above Earth's surface due to the impracticality of launching a fully-built station from Earth.
The establishment of BAS is expected to significantly enhance India's presence in space research and exploration, providing a platform for scientific experiments in microgravity and fostering advancements in space technology.
BAS could potentially lead to economic activities based on lunar resources by 2040, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India's space exploration endeavours.